BTS turns Seoul into cultural stage with historic Gwanghwamun comeback show

HYBE, the agency behind the group, has proposed a grand concept that merges Korean heritage with contemporary pop culture. Central to the plan is the idea of a ceremonial procession inspired by the historic King’s Road, a route once reserved for royalty during the Joseon dynasty. According to the proposal, the seven members will walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, passing through significant gates before arriving at the Woldae platform and ultimately entering Gwanghwamun Square. The symbolic journey is designed to highlight BTS not only as global music icons but also as cultural ambassadors representing Korea’s past and present.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Heritage Service have granted conditional approval for the concert and related filming at the historic location. Officials emphasized that strict measures must be followed to ensure public safety, manage crowd flow, and protect the integrity of the heritage sites. The collaboration reflects a careful balance between celebrating a global cultural moment and preserving national landmarks.

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The concert will be free for fans, though attendance will require advance reservations due to expected high demand. Thousands are likely to gather at the square, while additional viewing zones may be set up nearby to accommodate larger crowds if safety regulations permit.

Expanding the event’s reach, the performance is expected to be livestreamed globally, allowing millions of fans to witness BTS’s return in real time. A documentary capturing the group’s journey back to the stage and the making of Arirang is also anticipated, offering deeper insight into this new chapter of their career.

By choosing Gwanghwamun, one of Seoul’s most historically significant spaces, BTS is framing their comeback as more than a concert. It signals a powerful intersection of tradition, national pride, and global entertainment, reinforcing the group’s enduring cultural impact.